Astros place Yuli Gurriel on injured list

The Astros announced they’ve placed first baseman Yuli Gurriel on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Aug. 3, with neck stiffness. Infielders Taylor Jones and Jacob Wilson are up from Triple-A Sugar Land, while fellow infielder Robel García has been optioned out.

There’s no indication Gurriel is facing any sort of lengthy absence, but he will miss at least the next week. It’s a bit of a disappointing development for a Houston team holding a four-game lead over the Athletics in the AL West. Jones is getting the start at first base tonight against the Twins.

Last September, the Astros re-signed Gurriel to a one-year, $7 million deal with an $8 million club option for 2022. That seemed like a curious decision at the time, considering that the veteran was coming off a poor 2020 season, but the Astros have been rewarded handsomely for their faith. Gurriel has rebounded to hit a fantastic .324/.388/.490 (145 wRC+) over 417 plate appearances this season. Next year’s option now looks like a no-brainer to be exercised, and the 37-year-old figures to be an important middle-of-the-order presence for the Astros as they look to make a deep postseason run.